You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-04.
Rathdrum building permits
VerifiedRathdrum, Idaho — as published 2026-07-04.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Codes adopted
Idaho has a mandatory statewide baseline building code under the Idaho Building Code Act (Idaho Code Title 39, Chapter 41). The City of Rathdrum is an INCORPORATED CITY within Kootenai County with its own separate Building Department (part of the Community Development Department), entirely distinct from Kootenai County Community Development's Building Division, which administers only the unincorporated area of the county. Source: City of Rathdrum Building Department page, https://www.rathdrum.gov/pview.aspx?id=773&catid=0City of Rathdrum Current Adopted Codes and Design Criteria (Community Development Department handout): 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with 2012 Amendments for Residential, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code, 2009 ANSI A117.1, 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC). Source: City of Rathdrum Current Adopted Codes and Design Criteria (PDF), https://www.rathdrum.gov/docview.aspx?docid=52398The City of Rathdrum's own Building Department page states, in its Title 9 excerpt: '9-1-1: The International Building Code, 2018 Edition... 9-1-3: The International Residential Code, 2018 edition' and directs applicants to 'See Title 9 in the Rathdrum City Code for more details.' The City's online code library (rathdrum.gov/apps/code) lists only a single 'Title 9 Building Regulations' — there is no separate electrical or plumbing title in the City Code. Source: City of Rathdrum Building Department page, https://www.rathdrum.gov/pview.aspx?id=773&catid=0, and City Code index, https://www.rathdrum.gov/apps/code/default.aspxElectrical and plumbing permitting and inspection within Rathdrum city limits are NOT issued by the City — none of the City's own published permit checklists (Residential Single Family, Residential Addition/Alteration, Commercial New Structure, Commercial Addition/Alteration, etc.) list an electrical or plumbing permit checklist or application, only 'Building Permit Application' and, where applicable, a separate 'Mechanical Permit' submittal. This matches the State of Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) statewide default for jurisdictions that do not self-administer these trades. Source: City of Rathdrum Building Department page (list of all checklists and applications), https://www.rathdrum.gov/pview.aspx?id=773&catid=0; State of Idaho DOPL, https://dopl.idaho.gov/Mechanical/HVAC permits ARE issued directly by the City of Rathdrum Building Department (not the State) using the City's own Residential Mechanical Permit Application and worksheet, governed by the locally-adopted 2018 IMC and 2018 IFGC. Source: City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Permit Application (PDF, Revision 5-7-2026), https://www.rathdrum.gov/docview.aspx?docid=54308Building permit applications and construction documents are submitted electronically through the BS&A Online portal (bsaonline.com/?uid=2897); the City's own checklists state plainly that no hard copy or emailed submittals are accepted. Source: City of Rathdrum Residential Single Family Permit Checklist, https://www.rathdrum.gov/docview.aspx?docid=52132As of 6/23/2026, the City requires an Owner/Lessee Consent for Required Permit Inspections form on all new Building and Residential Mechanical Permit applications, citing Idaho's Property Rights Protection Act as the basis for requiring owner/lessee consent before City inspectors may enter private property not open to the public. Source: City of Rathdrum Building Department page notice and Residential Mechanical Permit Application (Owner/Lessee Consent form), https://www.rathdrum.gov/docview.aspx?docid=54308
Permit types & fees
Residential Single Family Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for any residential structure over 200 square feet in Rathdrum's R1, R2S, R3, and MR zones, including new single-family homes. Reviewed against the City's locally-adopted 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC (with 2012 residential amendments) plus City Design Criteria. Applications and construction documents are submitted electronically through the BS&A Online portal; the City does not accept hard-copy or emailed submittals.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for any residential structure over 200 square feet; allowed in Zones R1, R2S, R3, and MR
- All plans must be professionally stamped: Building Plans, Truss Plans and Calculations, Structural Calculations, and Structural Plans
- Flood Plain requirements must be met if applicable; ADA requirements must be met if applicable
- Mechanical work requires a separate Mechanical Permit submittal (not included in the Building Permit)
- Plat or Recorded Survey and a Site Plan (showing landscaping, irrigation, and approach/driveway) required as Engineering and Planning Documents
- Any necessary dedications must be provided; separate submittals required for Public Works Construction (water, sewer, streets) and any Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit for work in the right-of-way
- Once the application is deemed complete, the applicant is invoiced per the adopted fee schedule; fees must be paid before the Building Permit is deemed complete
- Signed Owner/Lessee Consent for Required Permit Inspections form required as of 6/23/2026, per the Idaho Property Rights Protection Act
- Electrical and plumbing permits are NOT issued by the City of Rathdrum — no electrical or plumbing checklist or application exists among the City's published Building Department forms; these trades are administered under the statewide Idaho DOPL framework
- Application becomes null and void if the permit is not purchased within 180 days of submittal, unless pursued in good faith and issued
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Rathdrum Building Permit Application, Community Development Department; submitted via bsaonline.com/?uid=2897
- RequiredBuilding PlansProfessionally stamped building plans meeting Flood Plain and ADA requirements where applicable
- RequiredSite PlanShows landscaping, irrigation, and approach/driveway
- OptionalTruss Plans and CalculationsRequired when trusses are used
- RequiredStructural Calculations and Structural PlansProfessionally stamped structural documentation
- RequiredPlat or Recorded SurveyRequired Engineering and Planning document
- RequiredOwner/Lessee Consent for Required Permit InspectionsRequired on all new Building Permit applications as of 6/23/2026 per the Idaho Property Rights Protection Act
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit: Single-Family Residence (new) | Permit Fee = Gross Sq. Ft. Area x Sq. Ft. Construction Cost x 0.008099; R-3 Residential (one- and two-family) construction cost is $170.80/sq ft per the ICC August 2025 Square Foot Construction Cost Table as adopted by the City | City of Rathdrum Master Fee Schedule, Building Fees, adopted 9/10/2025, effective 10/1/2025 |
| Residential Plan Review | 25% of permit cost | City of Rathdrum Master Fee Schedule, Building Fees |
| Building Without a Permit | Double the original permit fee | City of Rathdrum Master Fee Schedule, Building Fees |
Residential Addition or Alteration Permit
VerifiedRequired for any additions or alterations to a residential structure in Rathdrum, such as adding living space, siding, roofing, windows, or demolition work. Reviewed against the locally-adopted 2018 IRC.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for additions or alterations including additional living space, siding, roofing, windows, or demo work
- All plans professionally stamped: Building Plans showing additions/alterations, Truss Plans and Calculations, Structural Calculations, Structural Plans
- Flood Plain and ADA requirements must be met if applicable
- Mechanical work requires a separate Mechanical Permit submittal
- Plat or Recorded Survey and Site Plan (landscaping, irrigation, approach/driveway) required
- Separate submittals required for Public Works Construction and any Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit
- Fees invoiced once the application is deemed complete, per the adopted fee schedule; must be paid before the permit is deemed complete
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via bsaonline.com/?uid=2897; select Res - Addition or Alteration
- RequiredBuilding PlansProfessionally stamped plans showing the addition/alteration scope
- RequiredSite PlanShows landscaping, irrigation, and approach/driveway
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit: Accessory Structure / Addition | Permit Fee = Gross Sq. Ft. Area x Sq. Ft. Construction Cost x 0.008099 (R-3 rate $170.80/sq ft) | City of Rathdrum Master Fee Schedule, Building Fees, effective 10/1/2025 |
| Residential Plan Review | 25% of permit cost | City of Rathdrum Master Fee Schedule, Building Fees |
Residential Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for furnaces, gas appliances, heat pumps/AC, gas piping, ventilation, and related equipment in Rathdrum. Mechanical/HVAC permits ARE issued directly by the City of Rathdrum Building Department using its own Residential Mechanical Permit Application and itemized worksheet, governed by the locally-adopted 2018 IMC and 2018 IFGC.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for furnaces, gas water heaters, gas fireplaces, gas piping, heat pumps/AC, ventilating fans, clothes dryers, mini-splits, and whole-house generators — issued by the City of Rathdrum
- Governed by the 2018 IMC and 2018 IFGC as adopted by the City
- Submitted via the Residential Mechanical Permit Application and Mechanical Worksheet through bsaonline.com/?uid=2897
- Signed Owner/Lessee Consent for Required Permit Inspections form required as of 6/23/2026
- Fuel Gas Installer's License number required for underground gas line work
- Application becomes null and void if the permit is not purchased within 180 days of submittal, unless pursued in good faith and issued
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Mechanical Permit ApplicationCity of Rathdrum Community Development application form, Revision 5-7-2026
- RequiredResidential Mechanical WorksheetItemized fee worksheet listing the flat Plan Review/Permit Fee plus per-equipment charges
- RequiredOwner/Lessee Consent for Required Permit InspectionsRequired on all new Residential Mechanical Permit applications as of 6/23/2026
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Review / Permit Fee | $85.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet, fees as of 4/22/2026 |
| Furnace, all types under 100KBTU | $18.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Furnace, all types over 100KBTU | $22.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Gas Water Heater | $15.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Gas Piping (each outlet) | $5.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Heat Pump / A/C 0-3 tons | $16.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Heat Pump / A/C 3+ to 15 tons | $30.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Gas Fireplace | $25.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Residential Range Hood | $16.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Clothes Dryer | $16.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Ventilating/Exhaust Fan | $10.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Mini-Split | $20.00 ($8.00 per head unit) | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Whole House Generator | $25.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Solid Fuel Stoves/Inserts (must be listed) | $25.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Installation - Relocation of Unit | $20.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Underground Gas Line (Fuel Gas Installer's License required) | $25.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Combustion Air / Duct Modifications | $15.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
| Change of Mechanical Contractors | $200.00 | City of Rathdrum Residential Mechanical Worksheet |
Electrical Permit (State-Issued — Idaho DOPL, not the City)
VerifiedElectrical permits within Rathdrum city limits are NOT issued by the City of Rathdrum. None of the City's published Building Department checklists or applications include an electrical permit; only Building and Mechanical permits are offered through the City's BS&A portal. Electrical work is administered under the statewide Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) framework.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of any hard-wired electrical system; not issued by the City of Rathdrum Building Department — no electrical checklist or application exists among the City's published Building Department forms
- Apply through the State of Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) at https://dopl.idaho.gov/ or by phone at (208) 334-3233
- Governed by the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) as listed on the City's own Current Adopted Codes and Design Criteria handout, enforced through the statewide DOPL framework rather than direct City administration
- DOPL electrical permits expire 365 days from purchase date; renewable for one additional year with Division approval and a $65 renewal fee
Required documents
- RequiredDOPL Electrical Permit (Contractor or Homeowner)Applied for online via dopl.idaho.gov, not through the City of Rathdrum's BS&A Online portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Plumbing Permit (State-Issued — Idaho DOPL, not the City)
VerifiedPlumbing and gas-piping permits within Rathdrum city limits are NOT issued by the City of Rathdrum. None of the City's published Building Department checklists or applications include a plumbing permit; only Building and Mechanical permits are offered through the City's BS&A portal. Plumbing work is administered under the statewide Idaho DOPL framework.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of any plumbing system, fixture, or water/sewer service line; not issued by the City of Rathdrum Building Department — no plumbing checklist or application exists among the City's published Building Department forms
- Apply through the State of Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) at https://dopl.idaho.gov/ or by phone at (208) 334-3233
- Governed by the 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code as listed on the City's own Current Adopted Codes and Design Criteria handout, enforced through the statewide DOPL framework rather than direct City administration
- DOPL plumbing permits expire 365 days from purchase date; renewable for one additional year with Division approval and a $65 renewal fee
Required documents
- RequiredDOPL Plumbing Permit (Contractor or Homeowner)Applied for online via dopl.idaho.gov, not through the City of Rathdrum's BS&A Online portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Solar PV Permit (City Building Permit + State-Issued Electrical)
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems within Rathdrum city limits. The structural/roof-mounting scope requires a City of Rathdrum Building Permit (the City's normal building-permit process, since no dedicated solar line item is published in its Master Fee Schedule). The electrical-connection scope is NOT issued by the City — like all electrical work in Rathdrum, it is permitted directly by the State of Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), since Rathdrum offers Building and Mechanical permits through its own portal but does not offer electrical permits at all.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Structural/roof-mounting scope: submit a City of Rathdrum Building Permit Application via the BS&A Online portal (bsaonline.com/?uid=2897), with professionally stamped Building Plans, Structural Calculations, and Structural Plans as required for any structure over 200 sq ft or any roof-load-bearing modification
- Electrical-connection scope: apply directly through Idaho DOPL (dopl.idaho.gov or (208) 334-3233) — not through the City's BS&A portal, since no electrical checklist or application exists among Rathdrum's published Building Department forms
- Electrical work must be performed by an Idaho-licensed electrical contractor whose electrician holds (or is supervised by someone holding) the Solar Photovoltaic limited electrical license category (NABCEP certification or equivalent required), per IDAPA 24.39.10.153.09
- Grid-tied renewable energy systems require a mandatory DOPL electrical plan review before the installation permit can be purchased
- Signed Owner/Lessee Consent for Required Permit Inspections form required on the City Building Permit application as of 6/23/2026, per the Idaho Property Rights Protection Act
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Rathdrum Building Permit Application (structural/roof-mounting scope)Same City form and BS&A Online portal used for other construction; covers the structural mounting of the array
- RequiredIdaho DOPL Electrical Permit Application (Alternative Energy / Solar PV)State of Idaho DOPL electrical permit application, applied for separately from the City's BS&A portal; covers the grid-tied or off-grid electrical connection scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of Rathdrum Building Permit Fee (structural/roof-mounting scope) | The City's Master Fee Schedule formula (Gross Sq. Ft. Area x Sq. Ft. Construction Cost x 0.008099) is built for new floor-area construction and has no published solar-specific line item or adaptation for a non-floor-area roof-mounted array; the closest published flat fee is the $15.00 'Setting Permit' for any structure under 200 sq ft, but the City does not confirm this applies to solar racking. Contact the Building Department, (208) 687-7242, for the fee that will actually be charged for a solar-only structural permit. | |
| Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit — 'Other Installation' fee schedule (applies to solar/renewable energy since no dedicated PV fee line is published) | Wiring cost up to $10,000: $60 plus 2% of total wiring cost; $10,000-$100,000: $260 plus 1% of the amount over $10,000; over $100,000: $1,160 plus 0.5% of the amount over $100,000 | Idaho Electrical Board Rules, IDAPA 24.39.10, Rule 500 (Permits and Inspections), current administrative rule text (adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/24/243910.pdf). Statewide fee schedule, since Rathdrum has no local electrical-permitting program at all. |
| DOPL Electrical Plan Review (required for grid-tied renewable energy systems before permit purchase) | $65 minimum for one hour or less, plus $65 per additional hour | IDAPA 24.39.10, Rule 500 plan review fee |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of an existing structure within Rathdrum city limits. The City charges a single flat demolition permit fee per its Building Fees schedule, with no split between residential and commercial rates.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Demolition permit required for demolition of an existing structure within city limits
- Application submitted through bsaonline.com/?uid=2897
- Flat fee applies identically to residential and commercial demolition, per the City of Rathdrum Building Fees schedule
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit Checklist / ApplicationSubmitted via the City's BS&A Online portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition - Residential | $300.00 | City of Rathdrum Master Fee Schedule, Building Fees, effective 10/1/2025 |
| Demolition - Commercial | $300.00 | City of Rathdrum Master Fee Schedule, Building Fees, effective 10/1/2025 |
| Building Moving Permit | $300.00 | City of Rathdrum Master Fee Schedule, Building Fees, effective 10/1/2025 |
EV Charging Station Permit (State-Issued Electrical Permit)
VerifiedRequired for installation of a Level 2 (or higher) electric vehicle charging station/EVSE within the City of Rathdrum. Rathdrum has no local electrical-permitting program: the electrical-connection scope is permitted directly by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), the same statewide mechanism this file's solar-pv-permit entry documents. No separate City building permit is required for a standalone EVSE install unless it triggers a service/panel upgrade or a new structure, in which case the City's Master Fee Schedule building-permit process applies to that scope.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical work must be performed by an Idaho-licensed electrical contractor (or the homeowner on their own primary residence, per Idaho Code Section 54-1016 exemptions), permitted through Idaho DOPL rather than the City of Rathdrum
- Installation must comply with National Electrical Code Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) as adopted by Idaho under IDAPA 24.39.10.250
- A dedicated branch circuit sized to the EVSE manufacturer's specifications is required; GFCI protection applies per NEC 625 where the EVSE is cord-and-plug connected
- If a panel or service upgrade is needed to support the added load, that scope is also permitted through DOPL
- No dedicated EV/EVSE fee line item is published by DOPL — the statewide 'Other Installation' fee schedule under IDAPA 24.39.10, Rule 500 applies, the same category this file's solar-pv-permit entry uses
Required documents
- RequiredIdaho DOPL Electrical Permit Application (Contractor)State of Idaho DOPL electrical permit application for licensed-contractor installations
- OptionalIdaho DOPL Homeowner Electrical Permit ApplicationAlternative application for a homeowner self-installing EVSE wiring on their own primary residence under Idaho Code Section 54-1016
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit — 'Other Installation' fee schedule (applies to EV charging station circuits since no dedicated EVSE fee line is published) | Wiring cost up to $10,000: $60 plus 2% of total wiring cost; $10,000-$100,000: $260 plus 1% of the amount over $10,000; over $100,000: $1,160 plus 0.5% of the amount over $100,000 | Idaho Electrical Board Rules, IDAPA 24.39.10, Rule 500 (Permits and Inspections). Statewide fee schedule, since Rathdrum has no local electrical-permitting program at all. Same fee category this file's solar-pv-permit entry documents. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-04.
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Rathdrum building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.